Man Convicted To Trying To Extort U of L, Tom Jurich

2 years ago

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A man was convicted of extortion Wednesday in a case against the University of Louisville Athletic Association.

Using the alias “Melinda White”, 36 year old Thomas Ray sent an email to two UofL employees demanding $3.5 million, and threatening to injure the reputation of the school's Athletic Association. Ray claimed to have knowledge of an alleged point-shaving scheme involving the 2013 national champion Cardinal basketball team, that was never substantiated. Ray faces two years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000 . He's scheduled for sentencing in November.

After learning of the conviction, U of L Athletic Director Tom Jurich released the following statement: “We are pleased with the decision of the jury. We took the matter very seriously and actively participated with the FBI and the US Attorney’s office during the course of the investigation. As I said earlier, we were confident that the accusations made in the communications were not truthful.”